Rooftop Bars NYC
From stylish and sky-high rooftop lounges above Times Square, to amazing Brooklyn terraces with complete Manhattan views, in this guide we take you to our favourite rooftop bars in NYC. We dare to promise some of the best and most elevated experiences the world has to offer.
How do you get the most out of the world's most famous skyline? Well, you enjoy it with a side of cocktails, bites and spritzer at a NYC rooftop bar. Elevated hours is always a good idea, and summer 2024 sure is no exception.
We will guide through our selection of the best NYC rooftop bars, with all info you need about each venue. And New York City arguably offers one of the best experiences in the world when it comes to rooftop venues. We have visited luxurious, relaxed, nightlife, fancy and cozy rooftop bars in every part of the city. From elevated Brooklyn spots to Midtown rooftop bars.
Stay fresh in a NYC rooftop pool or go for a weekend NYC rooftop brunch, all with the iconic skyline in front of you. But which is the best rooftop bar in New York? Just scroll down and find our top selections.
More in NYC:
40 Best Rooftop Bars in NYC
10 Spectacular Rooftop Bars in NYC
Other great NYC rooftop options
Just outside the top list, these elevated spots are also well worth checking out for drinks with a view.
Rikard Fredricson
Rikard has spent the last 10 years exploring, enjoying, researching and working with rooftop venues. During these years he has visited more than 700 rooftops across the globe. The experience he has gained is used to create helpful, in-depth and accessible content, and to share his knowledge and rooftop expertise with fellow rooftop-lovers.
NYC Rooftop Map
FAQ NYC Rooftops
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What is the age limit at NYC rooftop bars?
The legal drinking age in New York is 21, just like in the rest of the United States (source). This means that the age limit at the rooftop bars in NYC by standard is +21. People under the age of 21 can usually visit rooftop bars during daytime, in the company of a legal guardian.
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Can you smoke at NYC rooftop bars?
New York City has some of the toughest smoking laws in the United States (source). Smoking is illegal at all indoor bars and pubs, including sidewalk seating areas. Rooftop bars are however more "away from the crowds", and some rooftop bars have designated smooking areas, but most NYC rooftop bars has a no-smoking policy.
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What is the NYC rooftop bar dress code?
There is no general dress code on the NYC rooftop bars. However, the most common dress code is smart casual. Aim to dress in well-fitting clothes that are neat and appropriate, and don't wear sporting clothes, flips flops or other attire more associated with the beach. During daytime the dress code is usually more casual, and then more strict at night. You can find the specicifc dress code for each rooftop bar by clicking them above, and more information in this article.
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Are NYC rooftop bars free?
The majority of NYC rooftop bars has free entrance. If there is an entrance fee, it is usually in connection with an event, like a late night weekend rooftop party with DJs, or something even more special, like a New Year's Eve event. To book a table at a rooftop bar might mean a minimum spend.
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When is the best time to visit a NYC rooftop bar?
Our recommendation for the best time to visit a NYC rooftop bar is late afternoon / early evening. This usually means a bit calmer, but still vibrant atmosphere and daytime views hopefully turning into a beautiful sunset. However, the best time is also dependant on what you seek. Late nights there are several NYC rooftop bars offering a real party vibe, and during weekends you can get the day started with rooftop brunch. Don't forget that as a non-American nationals you need to apply for your ESTA before you visit USA.
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Do you have to be a hotel guest to visit a NYC hotel rooftop bar?
No, in general the NYC rooftop bars located at hotels are open to all, both to the public and to hotel guests. There might however be sections of the rooftop that is exclusive to hotel guests. This is for instance usually the case with NYC hotels with a rooftop pool, where the pool is often only available to guests staying at the hotel.
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Can you do rooftop yoga in NYC?
Yes, rooftop yoga in NYC is a popular trend, and many rooftops offers this more healthy way to enjoy the skyline views several times a week. Usually in the mornings. In this article you can read more about NYC rooftop yoga.
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Recommended rooftop hotels in NYC
Hotel
NYC
Hotel 50 Bowery
An award-winning NYC boutique hotel in Chinatown near Soho, Little Italy and the Lower East Side. On top of the hotel you find a real jewel in the aptly named The Crown, a year-round rooftop bar.
Hotel
NYC
1 Hotel Brooklyn Bridge
A waterfront retreat right by the Brooklyn Bridge, filled with design and natural elements. On top of the hotel is both a rooftop pool and Harriet's Rooftop, with amazing views over East River and the Manhattan skyline.
Hotel
NYC
Ink 48 Hotel
Found in Hell's Kitchen, the creative center of New York City, the Ink 48 Hotel mixes the modern with the historic. Home to one of the best restaurants in the neighborhood (PRINT), as well as a one of the best rooftop bars in the city, called The Press Lounge.
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